G Cossu

TL;DR: Observations suggest that the CB1 receptor is involved in the motivational properties of opiates and in the development of physical dependence and extend the concept of an interconnected role of CB1 and opiate receptors in the brain areas mediating addictive behavior.

TL;DR: The present results show the existence of a cross-interaction between opioid and cannabinoid systems in behavioral responses related to addiction and open new strategies for the treatment of opiate dependence.

TL;DR: The necessary and sufficient role of α4β2- and α6 β2-subunit containing nicotinic receptors, but not α7*-nAChRs, present in cell bodies of the VTA, and their axons, for systemic nicotine reinforcement in drug-naive mice are defined.

TL;DR: The results of the present study indicate that morphine did not induce intravenous self-administration in mutant CB1 receptor knockout mice, whereas it was significantly self- Administered by the corresponding wild type mice.

TL;DR: It is shown how WIN 55,212-2 is able to elicit both rewarding and aversive effects depending on the concentration used, and Pretreatment of mice with the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist SR 141716A completely prevented WIN55, 212-2 self-administration, indicating that WIN 55adays rewarding effects are specifically mediated by cannabinoids CB1 receptors.